SECDEF's chief of staff stepping down this month

Kelly Magsamen, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's chief of staff, plans to leave her job at the end of the month, according to a statement from Austin.

Austin said Magsamen, who was criticized by lawmakers amid the controversy and secrecy surrounding the defense secretary’s unannounced medical absence earlier this year, has “proved instrumental in navigating difficult international challenges, from Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine to the devastating Israel-Hamas war after the October 7th Hamas atrocities, from evacuations of embassies under extraordinary pressure to standing up to bullying and coercion by the People’s Republic of China in the South China Sea.”

“I am deeply grateful for her tremendous service over three and a half pivotal years to me, the Department, and the country as the Chief of Staff,” he said. “From day one of this administration, Kelly’s leadership, counsel, and selfless service made our nation safer, made the lives of our people better and more rewarding, and rendered the heavy burden of this office of mine a good bit lighter. At every stage, she provided a steady hand guiding our staff and the Department. I am -- and will remain -- in her debt.”